So, something is trying to get my chicks, and I'm not sure what to do

[SomeChickinTN]

That's raccoon foot prints on top of the coop. Is the buried fence going straight down into the ground? The buried fence should extend out horizontally away from the safe fenced in area like the bottom of the letter L. Extend it out 18 inches or more and bury that horizontal portion. Predators will get as close as they can to their prey then dig under the obstacle between them so you want them to be standing over buried wire fence so they can't dig down through it. They will not back up and try to dig from further back because this is against the natural instinct.

No, the fence on the little coop is not buried. It goes around to the other side, so it's basically a chicken wire floor. If anything manages to dig under, it'd have to go up, through chicken wire.

 

[mechanic57]

Those def look like raccoon prints. Grr! They are the worst! I'm surprised they didn't get in because they are so dextrous, strong, and petsistent. I have moved to a dog kennel (with an actual roof) covered with hardware cloth. I'm adding electric fencing soon. I STRONGLY suggest you use hog rings to attach the hardware cloth to the run or "sew" it with heavy gauge wire. Zip ties won't stop them.

The raccoons know they're there. They will likely be back. Good luck! IMO, raccoons are the worst chicken predators!

Oh yes and definitely hog rings to attach fence to fence. Tractor Supply sells the rings and the pliers to crimp them as a kit under SKU (stock keeping unit) 108083199.

 

[cmom]

Set up a game camera. If you don't already have one you can find them easily and (pretty) cheap.

I like this idea so at least you will know what you are dealing with. I have 10 cameras up in different spots on my property. When I first put them up I was surprised at the predators that roam here, especially at night. Good luck.

Here is a camera I would consider buying if I need another one. The price is right.
https://www.amazon.com/Infrared-Wat...ords=game+trail+camera&qid=1590934402&sr=8-37

 

[cmom]

 

[Franklinridgefarms]

Those def look like raccoon prints. Grr! They are the worst! I'm surprised they didn't get in because they are so dextrous, strong, and petsistent. I have moved to a dog kennel (with an actual roof) covered with hardware cloth. I'm adding electric fencing soon. I STRONGLY suggest you use hog rings to attach the hardware cloth to the run or "sew" it with heavy gauge wire. Zip ties won't stop them.

The raccoons know they're there. They will likely be back. Good luck! IMO, raccoons are the worst chicken predators!

I agree raccoons our our most common and likely chicken predator. We keep ours up in a coop at night and pretty secure run in the daytime, which pretty well eliminates coyotes, foxes, hawks and owls. Minks have caused trouble over the years but a lot less frequent than raccoons have.

 

[Franklinridgefarms]

I like this idea so at least you will know what you are dealing with. I have 10 cameras up in different spots on my property. When I first put them up I was surprised at the predators that roam here, especially at night. Good luck.

Here is a camera I would consider buying if I need another one. The price is right.
https://www.amazon.com/Infrared-Wat...ords=game+trail+camera&qid=1590934402&sr=8-37

Yes, I think most folks would be surprised at the sheer number and diversity of wildlife and in particular predatory wildlife that are in close proximity.

 

[hayley3]

Do not leave chickens in a TSC coop at night. They are not raccoon proof. I had raccoons peel the metal layer off of my garage door.

 

[cmom]

It could be a fox. They will jump up onto things. There is a recent thread of a fox trying to get into a coop. The coop has external nest boxes and the video shows the fox jumping up onto the lid on the nest boxes.

 

[cmom]

I have been lucky. I have seen coons around but so far they haven't bothered my birds. I have had issues with coyotes, fox, bobcat and possum, hawks and owls. All killed birds at one times or another. We are rural on a dead end road. We have been the recipients of relocations. This little one was dropped off on the road at the end of my driveway.

 

[hayley3]

I have been lucky. I have seen coons around but so far they haven't bothered my birds. I have had issues with coyotes, fox, bobcat and possum, hawks and owls. All killed birds at one times or another. We are rural on a dead end road. We have been the recipients of relocations. This little one was dropped off on the road at the end of my driveway.
View attachment 2170428

What a cutie!